"We will ensure you get the best and safest customer experience during those last weeks where free un-moderated chat will still be available."
In the US, Canada and Japan, MSN Chat will be offered as an un-moderated service, but will be subscription-only, which requires users to disclose their credit card details. Moderated chat services will continue in some countries, but will close in 28 countries. "The straightforward truth of the matter is free un-moderated chat isn't safe," said Geoff Sutton, European general manager of Microsoft MSN.
John Carr, Director, Children & Technology Unit, National Children's Home and Internet Adviser to the Children's Charities' Coalition for Internet Safety, said:
"This is a momentous announcement and MSN should be congratulated on the leadership position it has taken. Here we have the world's leading internet service acknowledging that open free un-moderated chat cannot be made completely safe for consumers and children.
"I hope this move will give a huge boost to industry-wide efforts to achieve a safer experience for on-line users. Meanwhile I think every other chat provider in the UK is going to have to reflect on how, or indeed whether, they continue with their own open access chat services."
Chris Atkinson, Policy Advisor, NSPCC, added:
"This is a welcome step towards protecting children online. NSPCC hopes that this will encourage the Internet industry to build on MSN's announcement and continue to work together to improve the internet experience for children."